Filter arrangements; side-entry housings; and methods

ABSTRACT

An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/578,636, filed 23Feb. 2007, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2004/037570,filed 10 Nov. 2004, which claims benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/519,574,filed 12 Nov. 2003 and which applications are incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure concerns filter constructions for engines and methods offiltering and filter preparation. In particular, the disclosuredescribes Z-filter arrangements and side entry housings.

BACKGROUND

Gas streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances,it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from agas flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines formotorized vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directedto gas turbines, and air streams to various combustion furnaces, ofteninclude particulate material therein. The particulate material, shouldit reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, cancause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore preferred, for suchsystems, to remove the particulate material from the gas flow upstreamof the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved. A varietyof air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed forparticulate removal. In general, however, continued improvements aresought.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An air cleaner includes a housing having first and second opposite endsand a sidewall between the first and second ends; the sidewall definingan access opening. The sidewall has a slide mount. An access cover isremovably positioned over the access opening. A filter element isoperably installed and sealed in the housing. The filter element hasfirst and second opposite flow faces. The filter element includes mediahaving a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes having an upstreamportion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portionadjacent to the second flow face; selected ones of the flutes being openat the upstream portion and closed at the downstream portion; andselected ones of the flutes being closed at the upstream portion andopen at the downstream portion. The housing is constructed and arrangedto accept the filter element through the access opening in the sidewalland slide along the slide mount. The air cleaner is characterized by thesidewall defining a bump out region. The bump out region is awedge-shaped area of volume defined by the sidewall expanding outwardlyuntil reaching the slide mount. The housing is constructed and arrangedto accept the filter element through the access opening in the sidewall,slide along the slide mount, and engage the bump out region.

A method of servicing an air cleaner in which the air cleaner includes:a housing having first and second opposite ends and a sidewall betweenthe first and second ends; the sidewall defining an access opening; anaccess cover removably positioned over the access opening; and a filterelement operably installed and sealed in the housing. The filter elementhas first and second opposite flow faces and includes media having aplurality of flutes; each of the flutes having an upstream portionadjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to thesecond flow face; selected ones of the flutes being open at the upstreamportion and closed at the downstream portion; and selected ones of theflutes being closed at the upstream portion and open at the downstreamportion. The housing is constructed and arranged to accept the filterelement through the access opening in the sidewall. The method includespushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing topivot the filter element about the pivot region and release a sealbetween the filter element and the housing.

A method of installing a filter element into an air cleaner, in whichthe air cleaner includes a housing having first and second opposite endsand a sidewall between the first and second ends; the sidewall definingan access opening; the sidewall defining a ramp; an access coverremovably positioned over the access opening. The filter elementincludes first and second opposite flow faces, media having a pluralityof flutes; each of the flutes having an upstream portion adjacent to thefirst flow face and a downstream portion adjacent to the second flowface; selected ones of the flutes being open at the upstream portion andclosed at the downstream portion; and selected ones of the flutes beingclosed at the upstream portion and open at the downstream portion. Thefilter element has a band around the periphery of the first flow face.The housing is constructed and arranged to accept the filter elementthrough the access opening in the sidewall. The method includes engagingthe band against the ramp and sliding the filter element along the ramp.The method is characterized by sliding the filter element with the bandinto a bump out region; contacting a seal member on the filter elementagainst a pivot region on the housing; and applying force to an exposedportion of the filter element and pivoting the element about the pivotregion to move the seal member into sealing engagement with the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a system in which aircleaners according to the present disclosure are used;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an air cleanerincluding a housing with a removable and replaceable filter elementinstalled therein;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 2,with a portion of the housing broken away to show the filter elementoperably installed therein;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a filter elementuseable with the air cleaner depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the filter element depicted in FIG. 4, themedia being depicted schematically;

FIG. 6 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view showing a portion of thefilter element, the cross-section being taken along the line 6-6 of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of filter mediauseable in the filter element depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the air cleaner housing of FIGS. 2 and 3with the service cover removed and with the filter element oriented forinstallation therein;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the air cleaner depicted in FIGS. 2and 3;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view showing an inlet end of the aircleaner depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 9and showing an outlet end of the air cleaner;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the housing cover used with theair cleaner of FIGS. 2, 3, and 9-11;

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the housing cover depicted in FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the housing cover, thecross-section being taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the housing body for the air cleanerdepicted in FIGS. 2, 3, and 9-13;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the interior portion of thehousing body depicted in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of the housing body depicted in FIGS.15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the housing body depicted in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the inlet construction used forthe air cleaner housing depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, and 9-13;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the housing inlet construction depictedin FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a right end elevational view of the inlet constructiondepicted in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged, perspective view showing a portion of the inletconstruction interlocking with a portion of the air cleaner body;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the outlet construction used withthe air cleaner housing of FIGS. 2, 3, and 9-13;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of the outlet construction depictedin FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a right end view of the outlet construction depicted in FIG.23;

FIG. 26 is a schematic, fragmented, side elevational view showing thefilter element interacting with the housing cover;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the aircleaner, the view being analogous to the view depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 28 is a view analogous to the view depicted in FIG. 26, but showingthe alternate embodiment of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter elementusable in the air cleaner of FIGS. 2, 3, and 8-28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an air cleanerconstructed according to principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 31 is an alternate perspective view of the air cleaner depicted inFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a right side elevational view of the air cleaner depicted inFIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is an end view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is an end view opposite of that shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a schematic, partial, cross-sectional view showing one stepof installing a filter element into the air cleaner housing of FIGS.30-36;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 38;

FIG. 39 is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing one step ofremoving a filter element from the air cleaner of FIGS. 30-36;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing a further step ofremoving the filter element from the air cleaner housing of FIGS. 30-36;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 41; and

FIG. 43 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view showing a portion of thefilter element operably installed in the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Example System and Overview of the Air Cleaner

Filter constructions and arrangements described herein are usable in avariety of systems. One particular type of system is depictedschematically in FIG. 1 generally at 30. In FIG. 1, equipment 32, suchas a vehicle, having an engine 33 with some defined rated air flowdemand, for example at least 50 cfm and up to 1800 cfm, is shownschematically. The equipment 32 may comprise a bus, an over-the-highwaytruck, an off-road vehicle, a tractor, a light-duty or medium dutytruck, or a marine application such as a powerboat. The engine 33 powersthe equipment 32, through use of an air and fuel mixture. In FIG. 1, airflow is shown drawn into the engine 33 at an intake region 35. Anoptional turbo 36 is shown in phantom, as optionally boosting the airintake into the engine 33. An air cleaner 40 having a filterconstruction 42 is upstream of the engine 33 and the turbo 36. Ingeneral, in operation, air is drawn in at arrow 44 into the air cleaner40 and through the filter construction 42. There, particles andcontaminants are removed from the air. The cleaned air flows downstreamat arrow 46 into the intake 35. From there, the air flows into theengine 33 to power the equipment 32.

One embodiment of air cleaner 40 is shown now in FIGS. 2 and 3. Ingeneral, the air cleaner 40 includes a housing 48 with a removable andreplaceable filter element 50. In preferred constructions, the housing48 has a removable service cover 52. The service cover 52 allows accessto an internal volume 54 of the housing 48 to permit servicing of theair cleaner 40. Servicing of the air cleaner 40 includes removal of thefilter element 50 and installation and replacement of a new filterelement 50 in the housing 48.

The housing 48 includes an inlet construction 56, an outlet construction58, and a body member 60. In the preferred embodiment, the inletconstruction 56, outlet construction 58, and body member 60 comprise abody construction 62. The cover 52 is removable and replaceable from thebody construction 62. In the particular preferred embodimentillustrated, the cover 52 is removable from the body member 60.

In application, the inlet construction 56 forms an inlet end 64 to thehousing 48, while the outlet construction 58 forms an outlet end 66 forthe housing 48. The body member 60 comprises a side wall 68 extendingbetween the inlet construction 56 and the outlet construction 58. Thecover 52 is removable from the body member 60 to provide an accessopening 70 (FIG. 8) in the housing 48. The access opening 70 providesfor a side entry 72 (FIG. 8) into the air cleaner 40.

In FIG. 3, the cover 52 is partially broken away to show the filterelement 50 operably installed therein. By “operably installed” orvariants thereof, it is meant that the filter element is oriented in thehousing 48 such that there can be normal operation of the air cleaner 40with air passing through the inlet construction 56, through the filterelement 50, and out through the outlet construction 58. When operablyassembled within the housing 48, the filter element 50 forms a seal 74with the housing 48. In the particular embodiment shown, the seal 74 isformed with the outlet construction 58.

With that overview, we now turn to the various air cleaner components.

B. Filter Elements

1. Example Filter Element 50

A variety of filter elements may be used in accordance with thisdisclosure, including elements with depth media, tubular elements withpleated media, etc. One useable filter element 50 includes the types offilter elements described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,291 to Gieseke et al.,incorporated by reference herein. With the exception of an additionalband on the filter element 50 in this application, preferred elementsare designated in accordance with the principles described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,350,291. In the embodiment shown, the filter element 50 is afilter element that allows for straight-through air flow. The particularillustrated embodiment utilizes fluted or Z-media 80.

In reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter element 50 shown includesa media pack 51 having first and second opposite ends 81, 82. At thefirst end, there is defined a first flow face 84, while the second 82defines a second flow face 86. In the example shown, the first flow face84 corresponds to an inlet end, while the second flow face 86corresponds to an outlet end. The filter element 50 also includes asealing system 88. In the preferred embodiment, the filter media 80removes particulates from fluid, such as air, passing through the filtermedia 80, while the sealing system 88 seals the element 50 against thehousing 48. By the term “seal”, it is meant that the sealing system 88,under normal conditions, prevents fluid from passing through a regionbetween the media 80 and the housing 48; i.e., the sealing system 88forces fluid to flow through the filter media 80 instead of bypass it.

The filter media 80 is configured for straight-through flow. That is,fluid to be filtered enters in one direction 90 through the first flowface 84 and exits in the same direction 91 from the second flow face 86.The filter media 80 is also referenced herein as “z-media.”

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the first flow face 84 and thesecond flow face 86 are depicted as planar and parallel. In otherembodiments, the first flow face 84 and the second flow face 86 can benon-planar, for example, frusto-conical. Further, the first flow face 84and the second flow face 86 can be slanted and not parallel to eachother.

Generally, the filter element 50 will be a wound construction 87. Thatis, the construction 50 will typically include a layer of filter mediathat is turned completely or repeatedly about a center point. Typically,the wound construction 87 will be a coil, in that a layer of filtermedia will be rolled a series of turns around a center point. Inarrangements where a wound, coiled construction is used, the filterelement 50 will be a roll of filter media, typically permeable flutedfilter media. In other implementations, the construction 50 is a stackedconfiguration.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is schematic, perspectiveview demonstrating the principles of operation of certain preferredmedia usable in the filter constructions herein. In FIG. 7, a flutedconstruction is generally designated at 94. Preferably, the flutedconstruction 94 includes: a layer 96 of corrugations having a pluralityof flutes 98 and a face sheet 100. The FIG. 7 embodiment shows twosections of the face sheet 100, at 100A (depicted on top of thecorrugated layer 96) and at 100B (depicted below the corrugated layer96). Typically, the preferred media construction 102 used inarrangements described herein will include the corrugated layer 96secured to the bottom face sheet 100B. When using this mediaconstruction 102 in a rolled construction, it typically will be woundaround itself, such that the bottom face sheet 100B will cover the topof the corrugated layer 96. The face sheet 100 covering the top of thecorrugated layer is depicted as 100A. It should be understood that theface sheet 100A and 100B are the same sheet 100.

When using this type of media construction 102, the flute chambers 98preferably form alternating peaks 104 and troughs 106. The troughs 106and peaks 104 divide the flutes into an upper row and lower row. In theparticular configuration shown in FIG. 7, the upper flutes form flutechambers 108 closed at the downstream end, while flute chambers 110having their upstream end closed form the lower row of flutes. Thefluted chambers 110 are closed by a first end bead 112 that fills aportion of the upstream end of the flute between the fluting sheet 114and the second facing sheet 100B. Similarly, a second end bead 113closes the downstream end of alternating flutes 108.

When using media constructed in the form of media construction 102,during use, unfiltered fluid, such as air, enters the flute chambers 108as indicated by the shaded arrows 116. The flute chambers 108 have theirupstream ends 118 open. The unfiltered fluid flow is not permitted topass through the downstream ends 120 of the flute chambers 108 becausetheir downstream ends 120 are closed by the second end bead 113.Therefore, the fluid is forced to proceed through the fluting sheet 114or face sheets 100. As the unfiltered fluid passes through the flutingsheet 114 or face sheets 100, the fluid is cleaned or filtered. Thecleaned fluid is indicated by the unshaded arrow 124. The fluid thenpasses through the flute chambers 110 (which have their upstream ends126 closed) to flow through the open downstream end 128 out the flutedconstruction 94. With the configuration shown, the unfiltered fluid canflow through the fluted sheet 114, the upper facing sheet 100A, or lowerfacing sheet 100B, and into a flute chamber 110.

A variety of ways can be used to coil or roll the media. In somepreferred embodiments, the media construction 102 is wound about acenter mandrel, which may be removed or left to plug to act as a core atthe center of the filter element 50. It can be appreciated thatnon-round center winding members may be utilized for making filteringmedia shapes, such as filter media having an oblong, oval, rectangular,or racetrack-shaped profile. The media construction 102 can also bewound without a mandrel or center core. One process for making acoreless element 50 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,605, which isincorporated by reference herein.

While the flutes 98 depicted are shown as straight flutes, in otherembodiments, it may be desired to have tapered flutes. Examples oftapered flutes are described in WO 97/40918, published 6 Nov. 1997,incorporated herein by reference. Further, in some embodiments, theflutes can have deformed ends. Flutes with deformed ends are describedin WO 97/40918, incorporated herein by reference.

In reference now to FIG. 5, a top plan view of the filter element 50 isshown. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the filter element 50 is anon-cylindrical construction. In particular, the filter element 50 has arace track configuration with a pair of parallel sides 130, 131 joinedby a pair of arced or curved ends 132, 133. The flow face 86 is shownschematically; it should be understood that the entire flow face 86 willshow the end of the media 102.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, the sealing system 88 includes a frameconstruction 134 and a seal member 136. The frame construction 134provides a support structure or backing against which the seal member136 can be compressed against to form seal 74 with the housing 48.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the frame construction 134 includes arigid projection 138 that projects or extends from at least a portion ofthe second flow face 86. In particular, the projection 138 extendsaxially from the second flow face 86. The projection 138 provides asupport or backing to the seal member 136 such that seal 74 can beformed between and against the projection 138 and a sealing surface onthe housing 48. When this type of construction is used, the projection138 is a continuous member forming a closed ring 140. The seal member136, in the one shown, engages an exterior portion of the ring 140. Whenthis type of construction is used, the housing 48 circumscribes theprojection 138 including the seal member 136 to form seal 74 between andagainst the projection 138 and the housing 48. In particular, the seal74 is a radially directed seal 142 (FIG. 3).

Still in reference to FIGS. 4-6, the frame construction 134 includes aframe 144 that has a band, skirt, or depending lip 146. Preferably, aninside dimension of the depending lip 146 is approximately equal to theoutside dimension of the wound filter construction 87. The depending lip146 extends radially around the second flow face 86 of the filterconstruction 87. In particular, the lip 146 is secured to an outerperiphery or outer annular portion 148 adjacent to the second flow face86.

The filter element 50 defines an annular recess 150. In the preferredembodiment shown, the recess 150 is defined by a portion of the frameconstruction 134. In particular, the recess 150 is defined by an angledmember 152 extending between the lip 146 and the projection 138. An endsurface 154 of the seal member 136 also defines a portion of the recess150. As explained below, the recess 150 receives a projection from thehousing 48 to help stabilize the filter element 50 within the housing48.

The frame 144 also preferably includes cross braces 156. Cross braces156 support the frame 144 by helping to prevent the frame 144 fromradially collapsing under the forces exerted around the circumference ofthe frame 144. The cross braces 156 depicted form a truss system 158including a plurality of rigid struts 160, preferably molded as a singlepiece with remaining portions of the frame 144.

Attention is directed to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmented viewof a particular preferred seal member 136 in an uncompressed state. Inthe embodiment shown, the seal member 136 is a stepped cross-sectionalconfiguration of decreasing outermost dimensions from the first end 161to a second end 162 to achieve desirable sealing. Preferredspecifications for the seal member 136 include a polyurethane foammaterial having a plurality of (preferably, at least three)progressively larger steps configured to interface with the housing 48to provide a fluid-tight seal. In the example shown, the seal member 136defines three steps 164, 165, 166. The cross-sectional dimension orwidth of the steps 164, 165, 166 increases the further the step is fromthe second end 162 of the seal member 136. The small dimension at thesecond end 162 allows for easy insertion into the housing 48. The largerdimension at the first end 161 insures a tight seal.

In reference again to FIG. 4, the filter element 50 further includes aframe or band 168 circumscribing the wound filter construction 87.Preferably, the band 168 is secured to the outer annular portion 148 ofthe element 50. In preferred embodiments, the band 168 is secured to theouter periphery 170 adjacent to the first flow face 84. The band 168helps to provide a slide surface 172 for mounting the filter element 50within the housing 48. Further, the band 168 helps to provide structurefor stabilizing and supporting the filter element 50 when operablymounted in the housing 48. This can be seen in FIG. 26, for example. InFIG. 26, it can be seen how the band 168 engages the cover 52. This isexplained further below.

2. Example Filter Element 500

In reference now to FIG. 29, another embodiment of a filter element 50useable in the air cleaner 40 is shown at 500. The filter element 500illustrated has the same features as the filter element 50, describedabove, including z-media 502, band 504, and seal member 506. Thefeatures of the z-media 502, band 504, and seal member 506 are analogousto the z-media 80, band 168, and seal member 136 described above, andare not repeated here. There is also a frame construction 508, which issimilar to, but not identical to the frame construction 134 describedabove. The frame construction 508, in the illustrated embodiment, ismodified from frame construction 134 in order to accommodate a handle.

The filter element 500 differs from the filter element 50 in that it hasa handle 510 secured thereto to aid in servicing of the air cleaner 40.Many different embodiments of handle 510 are useable. One particularhandle is illustrated as reference numeral 512. Handle 512 shown is anon-rigid, flexible strap 514. Strap 514 is secured to a part of theelement 500. A number of different ways to secure the strap 514 can beused. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 514 is secured to theframe construction 508. In preferred implementations, the strap 514 issecured to the lip 516 (analogous to lip 146). In the way shown in FIG.29, the lip 516 defines a through-slot 518 and projecting tab 520. Thestrap 514 extends through the slot 518 and is held therein by engagementbetween a portion 522 of the strap 514 and the tab 520. In particular,the strap portion 522 includes a T-section 524 that is wider than thelargest dimension of the slot 518, and thus, cannot pass through theslot 518. The T-section 524 engages the tab 520 to be secured inposition.

The example, illustrated strap 514 also defines a plurality of apertures526. The apertures 526 help to allow for a good grip by the user on thestrap 514. In some embodiments, the strap 514 can be doubled over toform a closed loop. The term “strap” herein means single or multiplebands, belts, strips, as well as ones are folded or doubled-over to formclosed loops. Materials useable for strap 514 include plastic, such asflexible nylon, and other flexible polymeric materials; of course, othermaterials can be used. The strap 514 can be many different sizes. Oneusable size includes: a length of at least 5 cm, for example 8-30 cm,including 10-20 cm; and a width of at least 0.5 cm, for example 0.75-10cm, including 1-5 cm.

The handle 510 allows for exertion of a pull force on the element 500 ina direction about 70-110 degrees, usually about 90 degrees, relative tothe flow face 530. When the element 500 is installed in the housing 48,the handle 510 allows the pull force to be exerted on the element 500 tohelp release the seal 142 (FIG. 3) between the seal member 506 andsealing surface 176 (sealing surface 176 is described below). Once theseal 142 is released, the element 500 can be removed from the housing48.

The element 500 is usable with the air cleaner 40, in the same way thatthe element 50 is, with the exception of removal of the element 50/500from the air cleaner 40. The difference in the removal process relatesto the use of the handle 510 that is present in element 500 and not inelement 50. Otherwise, in all instances in this disclosure, when theelement 50 is referenced, the element 500 is also useable and should beunderstood to be referenced by implication.

C. Example Housing 48

As mentioned above, preferred housings 48 will include body construction62 and removable cover 52. Body construction 62 includes body member 60,inlet construction 56 and outlet construction 58.

It can be seen in FIG. 3 how the body construction 62 provides a sealingsurface 176 against which the seal member 136 compresses to form radialseal 142. In the particular embodiment shown, the outlet construction 58defines the sealing surface 176. In reference now to FIGS. 23-25, theoutlet construction 58 is shown in detail. The particular embodiment ofthe outlet construction 58 shown includes an outlet construction housing178. The housing 178 defines an interior volume 180 and an outlet port182. The outlet port 182 is surrounded by a duct 184, which is typicallyconnected to other ducting assembly. The housing 178 includes an outerrim 186 which connects to the body member 60. In preferred applications,the outlet construction housing 178 is secured in a permanent way to thebody member 60, such as by hot plate welding. The rim 186 also providesfor engagement with the service cover 52. The outlet constructionhousing 178 defines the sealing surface 176. The sealing surface 176 isan annular surface adjacent to the rim 186. Adjacent to the sealingsurface 176 and angled thereto (preferably, orthogonally angledthereto), there is a stop surface 188. The stop surface 188 provides foran end surface for the seal member 136 to engage when the filter element50 is properly seated within the housing 48.

Extending from an outer wall 190 of the sealing surface 176 is amounting bracket 192. The mounting bracket 192 includes mountingapertures 193, 194 for accepting bolts or other mounting fasteners. Themounting bracket 192 is optionally usable to mount the air cleaner 40onto equipment 32. As is described further, there is another mountingbracket on the inlet construction 56, which also may be used to mountthe air cleaner 40. The provision of more than one mounting bracket oneither the inlet construction 56 or outlet construction 58 provides foran ambidextrous air cleaner 40. That is, the air cleaner 40 can bemounted either at its inlet construction 56 or at its outletconstruction 58.

In FIG. 11, an end view of the outlet construction 58 is viewable. Theoutlet construction 58, in preferred embodiments, includes provisionsfor a heat sensor 196; there is also a mount 198 available for arestriction indicator.

Attention is next directed to FIGS. 3, 10, and 19-21. One embodiment ofan inlet construction 56 is illustrated. The inlet construction 56 shownincludes an inlet construction housing 202 including an inlet duct 204defining an inlet port 206. The inlet construction housing 202 furtherdefines an internal volume 208. Circumscribing the internal volume 208is an outer rim 210 which interacts with and engages with the bodymember 60 and the cover 52. In preferred embodiments, the inletconstruction housing 202 is secured in a permanent manner to the bodymember 60 by welding along the rim 210 to the body member 60.

Extending from the rim 210 is a mounting bracket 212. The mountingbracket 212, in the embodiment shown, is constructed identically to thebracket 192 on the outlet construction housing 178. The bracket 212includes a flange 214 and first and second mounting apertures 215, 216.The apertures 215, 216 are for receiving suitable fasteners, such asbolts, for securing the bracket 212 and the housing 48 to the desiredequipment 32. A mounting plate 219 extends from the rim 210 and isangled relative to the flange 214. Supporting the flange 214 is gussetstructure 218 between the plate 219 and the flange 214.

Each of the mounting brackets 212 and 192 are constructed and arrangedto slide and lock in place with the body member 60, which allows foradaptability in mounting locations and style. Attention is directed toFIG. 22. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view showing interaction between theinlet construction housing 202 and the body member 60. The bracket 212defines a plurality of grooves 220. The grooves 220 receive tapered ribs222 (FIG. 18) extending from a side wall 224 of the body member 60. Ascan be seen in FIG. 18, the ribs 222 taper or angle from a narrowsection 226 to a wide section 228. The narrow section 226 is orientedcloser to the inlet construction 56 than the wide section 228. Thetapering of the ribs 222 allows for easier sliding in of the ribs 222into the grooves 220, because the narrow section 226 is received firstinto the groove 220.

Attention is next directed to FIGS. 8 and 15-18. One embodiment of thebody member 60 is illustrated. As mentioned above, the body member 60includes side wall 224. In FIG. 17, it can be seen how the side wall 224is curved in a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of thefilter element 50. In this case, the side wall 224 is U-shaped. As such,the side wall 224 includes a bight section forming a closed end 234 anda mouth or open end 236. The open end 236 is sufficiently large enoughto accommodate accepting the filter element 50 therethrough. The openend 236, in this embodiment, also corresponds to the side entry 72. Theside wall 224 also defines an inlet end 238, which is mounted adjacentto the inlet construction 56 and an outlet end 240, which is mountedadjacent to the outlet construction 58. Edges 252, 254 extend betweenthe inlet end 238 and the outlet end 240. A pair of mounting flanges242, 243 extend from the side wall 224. The mounting flanges 242, 243each include an aperture 244, 245 for receiving fasteners 246, 247 (FIG.3) for removably securing the cover 52 to the body member 60.

The side wall 224 also includes a plurality of ribs 250 extending fromedge 252 to edge 254, preferably continuously along the wall 224. Theribs 250 provide strength to the body member 60. Edge 252 and edge 254define the mouth or open end 236. The edges 252, 254 also interact withand engage the cover 52.

The air cleaner 40 includes a system 259 for operably mounting thefilter element 50 within the body construction 62. Generally, the aircleaner system 259 is constructed and arranged to cam the filter element50 into sealing engagement with the housing. In one example, the system259 includes a slide mount 260. The slide mount 260 enables the filterelement 50 to be conveniently and smoothly inserted through the mouth oropening 236 and oriented with the seal member 136 compressed against thesealing surface 176 to form radial seal 142. A number of differentimplements are possible. In the particular implement illustrated in thedrawings, the slide mount 260 includes a ramp 262. In the preferredembodiment, the ramp 262 defines an angled slide surface 264, whichangles downwardly from the open end 236 to the closed end 234. By theterm “angled downwardly”, it is meant that the slide surface 264 iscloser to the inlet end 238 at the open end 236 adjacent to the edges252, 254 than the slide surface 264 is to the inlet end 238 at the bightsection or closed end 234 of the side wall 224. This can be seen, forexample, in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is the exterior view of the ramp 262, butthe shape of the ramp 262 can be seen as having the angled slide surface264 angling from the closed end 234 to the open end 236. Another way ofputting it is the ramp 262 is deepest at the closed end 234 forming deepramp section 265, and narrowest at the open end 236 forming shallow rampsection 266. Between the open end 236 and the closed end 234, the ramp262 forms a straight, and continuous slide surface 264.

The ramp 262 provides a camming surface for engaging the filter element50 in order to urge or push the filter element 50 in place with theradial seal 142 formed with the housing 48. In particular, the ramp 262translates the direction of the force applied to the filter element 50from a force in a direction shown by arrow 268 (FIG. 8) (a lateraldirection) directed toward the closed end 234 to a direction shown byarrow 270 (an axial direction) in a direction toward the outletconstruction 58. In the preferred embodiment shown, the ramp 262 has aslope of less than 30 degrees, typically 5-25 degrees, and preferably10-20 degrees.

In preferred embodiments, the band 168 on the filter element 50 isprovided to engage and slide against the slide surface 264 in order tomount the filter element 50 into operable assembly in the housing 48.

Attention is next directed to FIGS. 3, 9, 12-14 and 26. The cover 52 isillustrated in various views. As mentioned above, the cover 52 isselectively removable from the body member 60 to selectively expose andcover the access opening 70. In this embodiment, the access opening 70also corresponds to the mouth or the open end 236 of the body member 60.Although functionally the same, the cover 52 in FIGS. 9 and 26 differsomewhat from the cover shown in FIGS. 3 and 12-14 in that the cover 52in FIGS. 9 and 26 have a portion for accommodating product labeling.

The cover 52 includes a curved side wall 276. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 13, the side wall 276 is generally C-shaped. The cover includes aninlet end 278, which is adjacent to the inlet construction 56; andopposite outlet end 280, which is adjacent to the outlet construction58; and a pair of edges 282, 283 extending between the inlet end 278 andoutlet end 280. The side wall 276 is preferably continuous anduninterrupted between the inlet end 278, outlet end 280, edge 282, andedge 283. Extending from each of the edges 282, 283 are mounting flanges286, 288. The flanges 286, 288 are oriented to overlap with the flanges242, 243 in the body member 60. The flanges 286, 288 accommodatefasteners 246, 247 for removably securing the cover 52 to the bodymember 60.

The side wall 276 includes a plurality of strengthening ribs 290, whichextend from edge 282 continuously to edge 283. The ribs 290 arepreferably evenly spaced apart from each other.

The cover 52 also includes a system for supporting and stabilizing thefilter element 50. In one preferred embodiment, the side wall 276 of thecover 52 defines a shoulder or ledge 292. The ledge 292 comprises anannular surface 294 that extends from an element covering portion 296 ofthe side wall 276 to a neck 298. The neck 298 is adjacent to the inletend 278 of the side wall 276, while the element covering portion 296 isadjacent to the outlet end 280. The ledge 292 engages the filter element50, in particular, the band 168 of the filter element 50. As such, theledge 292 engages the band 168. FIG. 26 shows the band 168 engagedagainst the ledge 292.

It should be appreciated that the opposite end 302 (FIG. 8) of theelement 50 is supported by engagement between the band 168 and the deepramp section 265 at the closed end 234 of the body member 60.

The cover 52 also helps to support and keep the filter element 50oriented in operable assembly seated with the seal 142 in place while inthe housing 48. In particular, the cover 52 includes a projection 304that extends or projects toward the interior volume 54 of the housing48, when the cover 52 is operably mounted on the body member 60. In theorientation shown in FIG. 14, the projection 304 is hook-shaped orJ-shaped. As can be seen in FIG. 26, the projection 304 extends into andout of the recess 150 in the filter element 50. By the term “into andout of”, it is meant that the projection 304 has a portion 306 thatextends into the recess 150 as well as a portion 308 that leads from theportion 306 to the outside of the recess 150. As can be seen in FIG. 26,the portion 308 of the projection 304 is adjacent to and below the endsurface 154 of the seal member 136.

In use, after the filter element 50 (or 500) is operably assembled intothe body construction 62, the cover 52 is oriented over the exposedportion of the filter element 50 and mounted to the body member 60. Ifthe filter element 50 is not properly seated within the housing 48 withthe radial seal 142 formed, the cover 52 will be precluded or preventedfrom fitting or properly mounting to the body member 60. If the filterelement 50 is properly mounted within the body construction 62, thecover 52 is guided to the proper mount by way of engagement between theband 168 and the ledge 292. Further, the projection 304 will be receivedby the recess 150 in the filter element 50. Also, the mounting flanges286, 288 will match with the flanges 242, 243 so that the fasteners 246,247 can be mounted therein.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show an alternate embodiment of the cover 52, depictedas 52′. A method for visually identifying the presence of the filterelement 50 within the housing 48 without removal of the cover isprovided by including a window 320 in the housing 48. The window 320 isoriented such that the filter element 50 is viewable through the window320, when the filter element is installed within the housing 48. Whilethe window 320 can be placed in many locations, in the particularillustrated embodiment, the window 320 is located in the cover 52′. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the window 320 includes a clear lens 322snap-fit into an aperture 324 in the sidewall 276′ of the cover 52′. Thelens 322 can be made from durable, clear materials, such aspolycarbonates. In preferred applications, the exterior of the filterelement 50 is a bright color so that the element 50 is highly visiblethrough the window 320. For Donaldson Company, the assignee of thisdisclosure, the color is also preferably source-indicative, so that theuser knows the element 50 used is a Donaldson filter element. Donaldsonblue would be preferred for Donaldson. The window 320 shown has a roundshape (a circle), but in other embodiments, the window 320 can be othershapes such as irregular, polygon, rectangular, starburst, swirl, etc.

D. Methods of Use, Installing, and Servicing

To install the filter element 50 into the housing 48, the cover 52 isremoved from the body construction 62 to expose the access opening 70.The filter element 50 is oriented such that the second end 82 of theelement 50 is adjacent to the outlet construction 58, while the firstend 81 is oriented adjacent to the inlet construction 56. The band 168is oriented such that it engages the ramp 262. The filter element 50 isslid through the side entry 72 along the slide mount 260 in thedirection of arrow 268. Engagement of the slide surface 264 against theband 168 moves the filter element in a direction toward the outletconstruction 58 to urge the seal member 136 against the sealing surface176 of the outlet construction 58. Eventually, the filter element 50reaches the closed end 234 and the deep ramp section 265. At this point,the seal member 136 should be in place forming the radial seal 142between and against the sealing surface 176 of the housing 48 and therigid projection 138 on the frame construction 134 of the filter element50. The cover 52 is then oriented over the exposed portion of the filterelement 50. The ledge 292 engages the band 168 to support the filterelement 50, while the projection 304 extends into and is received by therecess 150 in the filter element 50. The fasteners 246, 247 are insertedto connect the cover 52 to the body member 60. The air cleaner 40 isthen ready for filtering operation.

To use the air cleaner 40, dirty air passes through the intake region 35(FIG. 1), into ducting, and eventually through the inlet duct 204 of theinlet construction 56. The air then flows to the filter element 50 andpasses through the first flow face 84. The dirty air is then forced toflow through the filter media 80, where the air is at least partiallycleaned of particulate material. The clean air exits the filter element50 by flowing from the second flow face 86. From there, the clean airflows through the outlet construction 58 and through the outlet duct184. The clean air is then used by equipment 32, such as in an internalcombustion engine 33.

After a period of operation, the filter element 50 will become cloggedor occluded with an unacceptably high level of restriction. Servicing ofthe air cleaner 40 will become necessary. By “servicing”, it is meantremoval of the filter element 50 and replacement with a new filterelement 50.

To service the air cleaner 40, the cover 52 is removed from the housing48 by removing the fasteners 246, 247. The cover 52 is removed to exposethe access opening 70 defined by the mouth or open end 236 of the bodymember 60. The old filter element 50/500 is then removed from thehousing 48 through the access opening 70. This is done by, first,releasing or breaking the seal 142 between the filter element 50/500 andthe housing 48. For the element 50, the seal 142 is released by holdingthe exposed edge of the filter element 50 and applying a force in thedirection of the inlet construction 56. For the element 500, the strap514 is grasped by a user's hand, and a pull force is exerted about 90degrees relative to the flow face 530 (e.g., in a direction toward theinlet construction 56). For element 50 or 500, when a force is appliedin this direction, the band 168 engages against the deep section 265 ofthe ramp 262. This allows the filter element 50/500 to tilt about thepivot region created by the engagement between the band 168 and the deepsection 265 of the ramp 262. This tilting action pulls the filterelement 50/500 from the sealing surface 176 to release the radial seal142. The filter element 50/500 can then be removed through the sideentry 72 outside of the air cleaner 40.

The old filter element 50/500 is then disposed of. A second, new filterelement 50/500 is provided. The new filter element 50/500 is installedin the air cleaner 40 by mounting it through the side entry 72 andsliding the element 50/500 in operable assembly within the housing 48.The cover 52 is then placed over the exposed portion of the filterelement 50/500 and secured to the body member 60.

E. General Principles and Examples

In general, there is provide a method of servicing an air cleaner, theair cleaner including a filter element installed in a housing; themethod comprising: tilting the filter element against a tilt surface inthe housing to release a seal between the filter element and thehousing; the filter element having first and second opposite flow faces;the filter element including media having a plurality of flutes; each ofthe flutes having an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow faceand a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; selected onesof the flutes being open at the upstream portion and closed at thedownstream portion; and selected ones of the flutes being closed at theupstream portion and open at the downstream portion.

The step of tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in thehousing to release a seal includes releasing a radial seal between thefilter element and housing.

After the step of tilting, there is a step of removing the filterelement through an opening in a side of the housing.

After the step of removing, providing a second filter element andinstalling the second filter element in the housing; the second filterelement having first and second opposite flow faces; the second filterelement including media having a plurality of flutes; each of the fluteshaving an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and adownstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; selected ones ofthe flutes being open at the upstream portion and closed at thedownstream portion; and selected ones of the flutes being closed at theupstream portion and open at the downstream portion.

The housing includes a ramp; the ramp forming a portion of the tiltsurface; and the step of installing includes sliding a portion of thesecond filter element against the ramp in the housing to form a sealbetween a seal member on the second filter element and a sealing surfacein the housing.

Before the step of tilting, there is a step of removing a cover from aside in the housing to expose an opening in the side of the housing.

After the step of installing, there is a step placing a cover over theopening in the housing.

After the step of placing a cover, viewing the filter element in thehousing through a window in one of the cover and the housing.

The step of tilting the filter element against a tilt surface includesexerting a pull force to the element in a direction about 70-110 degreesrelative to the second flow face. In one example, the element is pulledin a direction about 90 degrees relative to the second flow face.

The step of exerting a pull force includes pulling a handle secured tothe filter element.

The step of pulling a handle includes pulling a flexible strap securedto the filter element.

The filter element includes a frame construction mounted thereon; andthe step of pulling a flexible strap includes pulling a flexible strapsecured to the frame construction.

A filter element is provided. One useable filter element includes amedia pack having first and second opposite flow faces; the media packincluding media having a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes havingan upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstreamportion adjacent to the second flow face; selected ones of the flutesbeing open at the upstream portion and closed at the downstream portion;and selected ones of the flutes being closed at the upstream portion andopen at the downstream portion; a seal member secured to the media pack;and a flexible strap secured to a portion of the filter element.

A frame construction is mounted on the media pack; the frameconstruction supporting the seal member; the flexible strap beingsecured to the frame construction.

The frame construction has a lip mounted on an end thereof and anextension projecting axially from the second flow face; the seal memberbeing supported by the extension of the frame construction; the flexiblestrap is secured to the lip of the frame construction.

The lip defines a through-slot; and the flexible strap extends throughthe through-slot.

An air cleaner is provided comprising: a housing having first and secondopposite ends and a sidewall between the first and second ends; in someembodiments, the first end comprises an air inlet end and the second endcomprising an air outlet end; the sidewall defining an access opening;an access cover removably positioned over the access opening; and afilter element operably installed in the housing; the filter elementhaving first and second opposite flow faces; the filter elementincluding media having a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes havingan upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstreamportion adjacent to the second flow face; selected ones of the flutesbeing open at the upstream portion and closed at the downstream portion;and selected ones of the flutes being closed at the upstream portion andopen at the downstream portion; the housing being constructed andarranged to accept the filter element through the access opening in thesidewall and to cam the filter element into sealing engagement with thehousing.

In one embodiment, the housing sidewall includes a slide mount to camthe filter element into sealing engagement with the housing. In someembodiments, the slide mount is in the form a ramp in the sidewall.

The access cover includes a projection extending within a recess definedby the filter element.

The filter element includes a seal member and a frame construction; theframe construction having an extension projecting axially from thesecond flow face; the seal member being supported by the extension ofthe frame construction; the seal member being compressed between andagainst the extension of the frame construction and the housing to forma radial seal.

The recess in the filter element is adjacent to the seal member.

The filter element includes a band around a periphery of the first flowface; and the access cover includes a ledge engaging the band to supportthe filter element.

The access cover includes a ledge extending toward an internal volume inthe housing; and the filter element is supported at the first flow faceby the ramp and by the ledge on the access cover.

The filter element includes a band around a periphery of the first flowface; the band engaging the ramp and the ledge.

The access cover includes a window to provide visual access to aninternal volume of the housing.

An air cleaner is provided comprising a housing having first and secondopposite ends and a sidewall between the first and second ends; and afilter element operably installed in the housing; the filter elementhaving first and second opposite flow faces; the filter elementincluding media having a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes havingan upstream portion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstreamportion adjacent to the second flow face; selected ones of the flutesbeing open at the upstream portion and closed at the downstream portion;and selected ones of the flutes being closed at the upstream portion andopen at the downstream portion; the filter element including a sealinggasket adjacent to the second flow face; the filter element defining aperipheral recess adjacent to the sealing gasket; the housing includinga projection extending into and out of the peripheral recess.

The filter element includes a frame construction; the frame constructionhaving a lip mounted on an end thereof and an extension projectingaxially from the second flow face; the sealing gasket being supported bythe extension of the frame construction; the sealing gasket beingcompressed between and against the extension of the frame constructionand the housing to form a radial seal; the peripheral recess beingdefined by the frame construction and being between the lip and theextension.

The filter element includes a band around a periphery of the first flowface; and the housing includes a ledge engaging the band to support thefilter element.

A method of installing a filter element into an air cleaner housing isprovided; the method including: orienting a filter element in a housingbody; the filter element having first and second opposite flow faces;the filter element including media having a plurality of flutes; each ofthe flutes having an upstream portion adjacent to the first flow faceand a downstream portion adjacent to the second flow face; selected onesof the flutes being open at the upstream portion and closed at thedownstream portion; and selected ones of the flutes being closed at theupstream portion and open at the downstream portion; the filter elementdefining a recess in an outer, annular portion of the filter element;forming a seal between the filter element and the housing body; andorienting a cover member over the housing body; the cover memberincluding a projection; the step of orienting a cover member includingplacing the projection to extend into and out of the recess in thefilter element.

A housing construction is provided comprising: a housing wall; thehousing wall including a duct defining a fluid port; the housing wallhaving a rim; a mounting bracket extending from the rim of the wall; thebracket including: a flange defining a fastener-receiving aperturearrangement; a mounting plate extending between the flange and the rim;the flange being angled relative to the flange; the mounting platedefining a plurality of rib-receiving grooves; and a gusset arrangementbetween the mounting plate and the flange to support the flange.

The wall further defines an annular sealing surface adjacent to the rim,and an end stop surface angled adjacent thereto.

An engine having a rated air flow of at least 50 cfm and an air intake;and

an air cleaner construction mounted in airflow communication with theair intakes provided; the air cleaner construction including a housinghaving first and second opposite ends and a sidewall between the firstand second ends; the sidewall defining an access opening and a rampextending from the opening toward a closed portion of the housing; anaccess cover removably positioned over the access opening; and a filterelement operably installed in the housing; the filter element havingfirst and second opposite flow faces; the filter element including mediahaving a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes having an upstreamportion adjacent to the first flow face and a downstream portionadjacent to the second flow face; selected ones of the flutes being openat the upstream portion and closed at the downstream portion; andselected ones of the flutes being closed at the upstream portion andopen at the downstream portion.

A method for detecting the presence of a filter element within an aircleaner is provided; the method comprising: visually inspecting an aircleaner housing with a cover mounted thereon; and viewing through awindow in either the cover or the housing to determine whether a filterelement is visible through the window in the housing.

F. The Embodiment of FIGS. 30-43

In FIGS. 30-43, another embodiment of an air cleaner is depicted at 600.The air cleaner 600 includes a housing 602 operably holding a removableand replaceable filter element 604 (FIGS. 37-43). The filter element 604can be a variety of filter elements. Useable filter elements includeexamples described above, such as filter element 50 and filter element500. The descriptions of these example embodiment filter elements areincorporated herein by reference, and should be understood are useablewith the air cleaner 600 described in connection with FIGS. 30-43. Theelement 604 will utilize the same reference numerals as filter element50, described above.

The housing 602 in the embodiment of FIGS. 30-43, includes a bodyconstruction 606 and a removable cover 608. The removable cover 608 ispreferably identical, or very similar to, the cover 52, described above.The removable cover 608 will utilize the same reference numerals ascover 52, since these parts are identical or very similar.

The body construction 606 includes body member 610, inlet construction612, and outlet construction 614. In FIGS. 37-43, it can be seen how thebody construction 606 provides a sealing surface 616 against which theseal member 136 compresses to form a radial seal 618. In the particularembodiment shown, the outlet construction 614 defines the sealingsurface 616.

The outlet construction 614 includes an outlet port 620 (FIGS. 31 and36) surrounded by a duct 622. The outlet construction 614 includes anouter rim 624 which connects to the body member 610. In preferredapplications, the outlet construction 614 is secured in a permanent wayto the body member 610. The rim 624 also provides for engagement withthe service cover 52. The sealing surface 616 is adjacent to the rim624. Adjacent to the sealing surface 616 and angled thereto (preferably,orthogonally angled thereto) there is a stop surface 626. The stopsurface 626 provides for an end surface for the seal member 136 toengage when the filter element 50 is properly seated within the housing602.

The outlet construction 614 also includes a cam, tilt, or pivot region630 (FIGS. 37 and 38). The pivot region 630 allows for properinstallation and removal of the filter element 50 from the housing 602.This is described further below.

Extending from the outlet construction 614 are mounts 632, 633. Mounts632, 633 include apertures 634, 635 for accepting bolts or othermounting fasteners. The mounts 632, 633 are useable to mount the aircleaner 600 onto equipment 32. There are further mounts 636, 637 on theinlet construction 612.

The inlet construction 612 illustrated includes an inlet duct 640defining an inlet port 642. The inlet construction 612 has an outer rim644 (FIG. 37) that interacts with and engages the body member 610 andthe service cover 52. In preferred embodiments, the inlet construction612 is secured in a permanent manner to the body member 610.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 30-32 and 37-43. One embodiment of thebody member 610 is illustrated. The body member 610 includes a side wall646. The side wall 646 is curved in a shape that generally correspondsto the shape of the filter element 50. In this case, the side wall 646is U-shaped. As such, the side wall 646 includes a bight section forminga closed end 648 (FIG. 37) and a mouth or open end 650 (FIGS. 39 and41). The open end 650 is sufficiently large enough to accommodateaccepting the filter element 50 therethrough. The open end 650, in thisembodiment, also corresponds to a side entry 652 (FIGS. 39 and 41). Theside wall 646 also defines an inlet end 654, which is mounted adjacentto the inlet construction 612, and an outlet end 656, which is mountedadjacent to the outlet construction 614. Edges 658, 660 extend betweenthe inlet end 654 and the outlet end 656. Note that edge 658 and edge660 define the mouth or open end 650. The edges 658, 660 also interactwith and engage the cover 52. Mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664 extendfrom the side wall 646. The mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664 eachinclude a fastener arrangement for removably securing the cover 52 tothe body member 610.

As with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-29, the air cleaner 606 also includessystem 259 (FIG. 37) for operably mounting the filter element 50 withinthe body construction 606. As described above, the air cleaner system259 is constructed and arranged to cam, tilt, or pivot the filterelement 50 into sealing engagement with the housing 602. In thisembodiment, the system 259 includes pivot region 630. The pivot region630 accepts the force of the filter element 50 to be pushed against itand pivoted so that the radial seal 618 is formed in place bycompression of the seal member 136 against the sealing surface 616.Further, to aid in installation of the filter element 50, the system 259includes a slide mount 670 and a bump out region 678. The slide mount670 enables the filter element 50 to be conveniently and smoothlyinserted through the mouth or opening 650 and oriented to engage againstthe pivot region 630, as shown in FIG. 38.

A number of different implementations are possible. In the particularone illustrated, the slide mount 670 includes a ramp 672. The ramp 672defines an angled slide surface 674. In the embodiment shown, the slidesurface 674 is angled in a direction from the open end 650 to the closedend 648. The angle is in a direction such that when the filter element50 is inserted through the side entry 652, the element is urged in adirection toward the sealing surface 616. In FIG. 37, it can be seenthat the ramp 672 is highest or deepest at the closed end 648 than atthe open end 650. In the embodiment shown, the ramp 672 forms a straightand continuous slide surface 674. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 30,31, 32, and 33, the ramp 672 is continuous about the side wall 646 froma position just short of the edge 658 to a position just short of theedge 660.

The ramp 672 provides surface 674 for engaging the filter element 50 inorder to urge or push the filter element 50 in a direction toward thesealing surface 616. In the preferred embodiment shown, the ramp 672 hasa slope of less than 30°, typically 2°-10°, and preferably 4°-6°,nominally 5°.

In preferred embodiments, the band 168 on the filter element 50 isprovided to engage and slide against the slide surface 674 in order tourge the filter element 50 toward the sealing surface 616.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 37 and 41. In the particular embodimentillustrated, the ramp 672 includes a relief region 676. The reliefregion is a region of the ramp 672 that is angled away from the slidesurface 674. The relief region 676 aids in removing the filter element50 from the body construction 606 during servicing. In particular, therelief region 676 provides an area of clearance so that the element 50can be dislodged from the body construction 606. By “dislodged”, it ismeant that the radial seal 618 is released. FIG. 41 shows the element 50after the radial seal 618 has been released. The band 168 on the filterelement 50 is engaged against the relief region 676. Methods ofservicing the air cleaner 600 are discussed further below. In theembodiment shown, the relief region 676 has an angle of not greater than50°, typically 5°-15°, preferably 8°-12°, and nominally 10°.

In the embodiment shown, the side wall 646 further includes a bump outregion 678. The bump out region 678 is an area of the side wall 646 ofincreased volume. The bump out region 678 can be seen in FIGS. 30 and 31as an area 679 of the side wall that is angled outwardly from theremaining portion of the side wall 646. In particular, the bump outregion 678 can be seen in FIG. 31 as being wedge shaped starting at anarea 680 at close to a midpoint of the side wall 646 and expandingoutwardly until reaching the ramp 672. The bump out region 678 allowsthe seal member 138 of the filter element 50 to contact the sealingsurface 616 and the stop surface 626 in order to then pivot the element50 into operable, sealing engagement with the housing 602. (See FIG. 43)

As with the previous embodiments, the cover 608 (52) helps to supportand keep the filter element 50 oriented in operable assembly seated withthe radial seal 616 in place in the housing 602. As describedpreviously, the cover 52 includes projection 304 that extends orprojects toward the housing 602, when the cover 52 is operably mountedon the body member 610. In use, the cover 52 interacts with the element50 as described in connection with the previous embodiment, FIG. 26. Inparticular, the projection 304 extends into and out of the recess 150 inthe filter element 50.

After the filter element 50 is assembled into the body construction 606,the cover 52 is oriented over the exposed portion of the filter element50 and mounted to the body member 610. If the filter element 50 is notproperly seated within the housing 602 with the radial seal 618 formed,the cover 52 will be precluded or prevented from fitting or properlymounting to the body member 610. If the filter element 50 is properlymounted within the body construction 606, the cover 52 is guided to theproper mount by way of engagement between the band 168 and ledge 292.Further, the projection 304 will be received by the recess 150 in thefilter element 50. Also, the mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664 will bematched up so that fasteners can be mounted therein.

G. Methods of Use, Installing, And Servicing

To install the filter element 50 into the housing 602, the cover 52 isremoved from the body construction 606 to expose the open end 650.Filter element 50 is oriented such that the second end 82 of the element50 is adjacent to the outlet construction 614, while the first end 81 isoriented adjacent to the inlet construction 612. The band 168 isoriented such that it engages the ramp 672. The filter element 50 isslid along the slide mount 670. Engagement of the slide surface 674against the band 168 moves the filter element 50 in a direction towardthe outlet construction 614. Eventually, and with attention directed toFIG. 37, the band 168 slides into the bump out region 678 and engagescorner 682. Corner 682 is the intersection of bump out region 678 andramp 672. At the same time, the seal member 136 contacts the sealingsurface 616 and the stop surface 626.

FIG. 38 shows an enlarged view of the element 50 relative to the bodyconstruction 606 during the insertion process. The pivot region 630 canbe seen along the sealing surface 616. At this point in the insertionprocess, the exposed end of the filter element 50 has force applied uponit by the user. The user rocks, tilts, cams, or pivots the element 50about the pivot region 630 in order to move the element 50 intooperable, sealing engagement with the housing 602. This can be seen atFIG. 43. As part of this process, the filter element 50 is moved so thatno portion of the element 50 is projecting into the bump out region 678.At this point, the seal member 136 should be in place forming the radialseal 618 against the sealing surface 616 (FIG. 43). The cover 52 is thenoriented over the exposed portion of the filter element 50 so that theledge 292 engages the band 168 to support the filter element 50, whilethe projection 304 extends into and is received by the recess 150 in thefilter element 50. The cover 52 is then connected to the body member 610at the interface between the mounting flanges 661, 662, 663, 664. Theair cleaner 600 is then ready for filtering operation.

To use the air cleaner 600, dirty air passes through the intake region35 (FIG. 1) into ducting, and eventually through the inlet duct 640 ofthe inlet construction 612. The air then flows to the filter element 50and passes through the first flow face 84. The dirty air is then forcedto flow through the filter media 80, where the air is at least partiallycleaned of particulate material. The clean air exits the filter element50 by flowing from the second flow face 86. From there, the clean airflows through the outlet construction 614 and through the outlet duct622. The clean air is then used by equipment 32 such as internalcombustion engine 33.

After a period of operation, the filter element 50 will become cloggedor occluded with an unacceptably high level of restriction. Servicing ofthe air cleaner 600 will become necessary. By “servicing”, it is meantremoval of the filter element 50 and replacement with a new filterelement 50.

To service the air cleaner 600, the cover 52 is removed from the housing602 by removing fasteners between the mounting flanges 661, 662, 663,664. The cover 52 is removed to expose the open end 650. The old filterelement 50 is then removed from the housing 602 through the open end650. This is done by, first, releasing or breaking the radial seal 618between the filter element 50 and the housing 602. The seal 618 isreleased by holding the exposed edge of the filter element 50 androcking, tilting, or camming the filter element 50 in a direction sothat the inlet end 84 of the filter element 50 contacts the reliefregion 676 of the ramp 672. A portion of the element 50 is also thenprojecting into the bump out region 678. This is shown in FIG. 39. Thismotion releases the radial seal 618 from the sealing surface 616. SeeFIG. 39, in which a portion of the seal member 136 is shown completelyremoved from and spaced from the seal surface 616. FIG. 41 shows afurther step in the removal process. The element 50 is further pivotedabout the relief region 676 to move the element 50 from corner 682further into the bump out region 678. The remaining portion of the sealmember 136 is removed from the sealing surface 616. This exposes thedownstream face 86 of the filter element 50 and allows the user's handto be inserted between the downstream face 86 of the element 50 and theoutlet construction 614. The operator can then pull the element 50 fromthe housing 602.

The old filter element 50 is then disposed of. A second, new filterelement 50 is provided. The new filter element 50 is installed in theair cleaner 600 by mounting it through the side entry 652 and slidingthe element 50 along the slide mount 670, and then pivoting the element50 about the pivot region 630 until the element is in operable assemblywithin the housing 602. The cover 52 is then placed over the exposedportion of the filter element 50 and secured to the body member 610.

1. An air cleaner comprising: (a) a housing having a sidewall definingan access opening; said sidewall having a slide mount; an access coverremovably positioned over the access opening; (b) a filter elementoperably installed and sealed in the housing; the filter elementcomprising a media pack and a sealing system; (i) the media pack has afirst end and a second, opposite end and comprises filter mediaconfigured to provide flutes extending in a direction from the mediapack first end to the media pack second, opposite end, wherein the mediapack is closed to the flow of unfiltered air into the media pack firstend and out the media pack second end, and wherein the media pack isclosed to the flow of unfiltered air into the media pack second end andout the media pack first end; the sealing system comprises a sealmember, the seal member having a perimeter shape defined by a pair ofsides joined by curved ends; (ii) said housing being constructed andarranged to accept the filter element through the access opening in thesidewall and slide along the slide mount; (c) said sidewall defining abump out region; (i) said housing being constructed and arranged toaccept the filter element through the access opening in the sidewall,slide along the slide mount, and engage the bump out region; and (d) thehousing including a pivot region about which the filter element can tiltwhen moving into and out of sealing engagement with the housing.
 2. Anair cleaner according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the bump out regionincludes a wedge-shaped area of volume defined by the sidewall expandingoutwardly until reaching the slide mount.
 3. An air cleaner according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the bump out region is defined by a region of thesidewall starting at a midpoint of the side wall and expanding outwardlyuntil reaching the slide mount.
 4. An air cleaner according to claim 1wherein: (a) said slide mount includes a ramp extending from the openingtoward a closed portion of the housing.
 5. An air cleaner according toclaim 4 wherein: (a) the ramp includes a slide surface and a reliefregion; the relief region being angled away from the slide surface. 6.An air cleaner according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the filter elementincludes a seal member and a frame construction; the seal member beingsupported by the extension of the frame construction; the seal memberforming a radial seal with the housing when the filter element is tiltedinto sealing engagement.
 7. An air cleaner according to claim 6 wherein:(a) the frame construction does not extend the length of the media packfrom the media pack first end to the media pack second, opposite end. 8.An air cleaner according to claim 6 wherein: (a) the frame constructionis provided at one of the media first end or the media pack second,opposite end.
 9. An air cleaner according to claim 1 wherein: (a) themedia pack has an exterior surface with a shape defined by a pair ofsides joined by a pair of curved ends.
 10. An air cleaner according toclaim 9 wherein: (a) the curved ends are arced.
 11. An air cleaneraccording to claim 9 wherein: (a) the media pack has an oblong-shapedprofile.
 12. An air cleaner according to claim 9 wherein: (a) the mediapack has an oval-shaped profile.
 13. An air cleaner according to claim 9wherein: (a) the media pack has a racetrack-shaped profile.
 14. An aircleaner according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the media pack comprises acorrugated sheet joined to a facing sheet.
 15. An air cleaner accordingto claim 14 wherein: (a) the media pack includes coiled media withopposite first and second flow faces.
 16. An air cleaner according toclaim 15 wherein: (a) said filter element includes a band around aperiphery of the first flow face; and (b) the access cover includes aledge engaging the band to support the filter element.
 17. A method ofservicing an air cleaner; the air cleaner including: a housing havingfirst and second opposite ends and a sidewall between the first andsecond ends; the sidewall defining an access opening; an access coverremovably positioned over the access opening; and a filter elementoperably installed and sealed in the housing; the filter element havinga media pack and a sealing system, wherein the media pack has a firstend and a second, opposite end and comprises filter media configured toprovide flutes extending in a direction from the media pack first end tothe media pack second, opposite end, wherein the media pack is closed tothe flow of unfiltered air into the media pack first end and out themedia pack second end, and wherein the media pack is closed to the flowof unfiltered air into the media pack second end and out the media packfirst end; the sealing system comprises a seal member, the seal memberhaving a perimeter shape defined by a pair of sides joined by curvedends; the housing being constructed and arranged to accept the filterelement through the access opening in the sidewall; the methodcomprising: (a) pushing the filter element against a pivot region in thehousing to tilt the filter element about the pivot region and release aseal between the filter element and the housing; and (b) after said stepof pushing, removing the filter element through an opening in a side ofthe housing, and moving a portion of the filter element into awedge-shaped area of volume defined by the sidewall.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 17 wherein: (a) the step of pushing the filterelement includes pushing the filter element comprising a media packhaving a corrugated sheet joined to a facing sheet and coiled to formmedia with opposite first and second flow faces.
 19. A method ofinstalling a filter element into an air cleaner; the air cleanerincluding: a housing having first and second opposite ends and asidewall between the first and second ends; the sidewall defining anaccess opening; the sidewall defining a ramp; an access cover removablypositioned over the access opening; the filter element having a mediapack and a sealing system, wherein the media pack has a first end and asecond, opposite end and comprises filter media configured to provideflutes extending in a direction from the media pack first end to themedia pack second, opposite end, wherein the media pack is closed to theflow of unfiltered air into the media pack first end and out the mediapack second end, and wherein the media pack is closed to the flow ofunfiltered air into the media pack second end and out the media packfirst end; the sealing system comprises a seal member, the seal memberhaving a perimeter shape defined by a pair of sides joined by curvedends; the housing being constructed and arranged to accept the filterelement through the access opening in the sidewall; the methodcomprising: (a) sliding the filter element along the ramp into awedge-shaped area of volume defined by the sidewall; (b) contacting aseal member on the filter element against a pivot region on the housing;and (c) applying force to an exposed portion of the filter element andtilting the element about the pivot region to move the seal member intosealing engagement with the housing.
 20. A method according to claim 19wherein: (a) the step of sliding the filter element includes sliding thefilter element comprising a media pack having a corrugated sheet joinedto a facing sheet and coiled to form media with opposite first andsecond flow faces.